Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan warned that the world is facing increasingly difficult economic conditions shaped by uncertainty, fragmentation, geopolitical conflicts, trade tensions, debt risks, and challenges related to energy security and broader security concerns, factors he said threaten to undermine global development goals. Addressing the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Vienna, held to mark the 50th anniversary of the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Al-Jadaan described the milestone as an opportunity not only to celebrate the institution’s achievements over the past half-century, but also to reflect on lessons learned and consider the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Over the past five decades, the OPEC Fund has helped tackle some of the world’s most pressing development challenges, supporting sustainable development, economic growth, and prosperity while improving living standards in low- and middle-income countries, he noted. Its efforts have enabled millions to gain access to electricity, quality education, and clean energy solutions, while expanding economic opportunities and improving essential services. Al-Jadaan outlined three priorities for preventing setbacks in global development progress. The first is placing resilience at the center of development strategies. Rather than serving merely as a response to crises, resilience must become a long-term, proactive approach. Building systems capable of withstanding shocks requires investment in infrastructure, energy, food security, healthcare, education, and institutional capacity, he argued. It also demands inclusive policies tailored to local needs that diversify sources of income, improve livelihoods, and stabilize fragile markets. The second priority is strengthening partnerships. No country can confront development challenges alone, Al-Jadaan said, emphasizing the critical role of development finance institutions in mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and fostering innovation. The private sector, he added, remains essential for driving investment, creating jobs, and delivering practical solutions. Greater cooperation among development partners can improve coordination, attract additional capital, and maximize development impact. Turning to his third priority, Al-Jadaan stressed that trust and national ownership must remain at the heart of development efforts. Development financing is most effective when aligned with national priorities, responsive to local realities, and built on genuine partnerships. Expanding the OPEC Fund’s activities and deepening cooperation with partner countries would help align financing strategies with national development plans, improve the efficiency of resource allocation, strengthen implementation, and deliver measurable results, he said. Al-Jadaan also underscored the importance of candid feedback from development partners and their support for bold, long-term structural reforms that enhance resilience, growth, and prosperity. Fifty years is not a limit to what can be achieved. It is the foundation on which we build, he stated. He added that stronger partnerships and shared commitments will help safeguard the gains of the past five decades and advance sustainable development in the decades ahead.
